Latest news with #Specsavers'
Scotsman
6 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Specsavers Goalside Guides selected as visually impaired fans set to enjoy enhanced Scotland matchday experience
Two budding commentators have been selected to become Specsavers' Goalside Guides for Scotland's upcoming game against Iceland. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, last month Specsavers launched a Scotland-wide campaign to find emerging commentating talent to pair with visually-impaired fans for Friday night's match at Hampden. Steve Clarke's Scotland men's side take on Iceland in the friendly encounter, with Andrew Morrison and Sam Smith selected to be on audio description duty. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Andrew, who is from Thurso and studies at Edinburgh Napier Uni, and Paisley lad Sam have been put through their paces by commentator, pundit and former Scotland international Leanne Crichton, who has been sharing her top tips for audio-descriptive broadcasting. Sam Smith, Leanne Crichton and Andrew Morrison. The pair are ready to provide real-time audio commentary for the fans on Friday night and can't wait to get going. Sam said: 'I've always wanted to commentate on a match at Hampden so I'm absolutely buzzing to be doing this, thanks to the support from Specsavers with this initiative. 'Leanne's words of advice and stories about her time in the game were brilliant and very valuable ahead of us picking up the mic on Friday night.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Andrew added: 'Being selected to become a Specsavers Goalside Guide is a real privilege and I'm buzzing to be able to do it at Hampden for a Scotland game. 'I'm a proud Scot and can't wait to help bring the game to life for a fellow-fan – I've been practicing my Icelandic pronunciation in preparation!' Former Scotland hero Leanne shared some words of wisdom with the guys as they spent time in the Hampden gantry warming up ahead of the match. She said: 'It's not until I started working in broadcasting that I fully appreciated the value and power of the spoken word and audio commentary. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I get to work alongside some of the best in the business at the BBC and, what I'd say, is preparation is key. 'Knowing your stuff and getting immersed in the game can only help supporters, particularly those with vision impairments, get lost in the action as well.' Jenny Stephenson, Divisional Chair for Scotland, said: 'We're thrilled to bring this project to life in partnership with the Scottish FA. The campaign will give fans who are blind or partially sighted a new way to experience the excitement of live football direct from the stadium. 'Hearing loss is a growing global health issue that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. For those with visual impairments, however, good hearing health becomes even more critical. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'This is a great example of how hearing health can make a tangible difference to people's lives, and we're excited to raise awareness of the importance of good hearing alongside this impactful initiative.' As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers is here to change lives through better sight and hearing, by making expert care accessible and affordable for all. Visit or go in store to book an appointment with one of our experts.
The Herald Scotland
05-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Aspiring Scottish commentators urged to sign up for new scheme
Created in partnership with the Scottish FA, the 'Goalside Guide' initiative will pair visually impaired fans with aspiring amateur commentators from across Scotland, offering real-time audio descriptions of the match. Specsavers' Jenny Stephenson, Scottish divisional chair, said: "We're thrilled to bring this project to life in partnership with the Scottish FA. The campaign will give fans who are blind or partially sighted a new way to experience the excitement of live football direct from the stadium. Read More: "Hearing loss is a growing global health issue that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. For those with visual impairments, however, good hearing health becomes even more critical. "This is a great example of how hearing health can make a tangible difference to people's lives, and we're excited to raise awareness of the importance of good hearing alongside this impactful initiative." Michael Chisholm, Head of Partnerships for the Scottish FA said: "The 'Goalside Guide' initiative demonstrates the synergy between the Scottish FA and Specsavers. Creating new ways for fans to enjoy the game while supporting both the players and referees is truly inspiring. "We can't wait to see the difference the campaign will make to the matchday experience for some of our fans, while potentially discovering a brand-new Scottish pundit." Those interested should submit their own home-made video commentaries, with the best five applicants selected to take part in the initiative. To submit your video, send your clips to SpecsaversSFA@ The deadline for entries is Wednesday 14th May 2025.
Fashion Network
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Specsavers to launch Elton John eyewear collection
Music superstar Elton John is about to launch a signature range of eyewear with Specsavers. But given his global status, love of statement eyewear, and no doubt a legion of higher-end brands/retailers eager to sign the legend to an eyewear deal, why choose this particular UK-based high street retailer? 'Accessibility', husband and business partner David Furnish told at the pre-launch event in London. Standing in for the music legend (he was relaxing in his home garden at the time of the launch, Furnish revealed), he said it was 'so important that Elton's fans are able to readily have access to, afford, and enjoy his eyewear, a feature of his life that is so special to him'. And with access and price being key, the range launches through Specsaver's 2,800-plus stores and businesses globally (approaching 1,000 in the UK), and online from 7 May, priced from £130. More fashion than theatrical, the collection is inspired by key moments in John's life and career, with each 'named after an iconic song, personal milestone, or a pivotal period in his journey - from Yellow Brick Road and Tiny Dancer to Shooting Star and Crocodile Rock'. Each pair features key signature details, such as the 'E' mark symbolising his personal stamp of approval, and the star, 'a nod to his illustrious career'. Sir Elton added in a prepared release: 'Glasses have always been a big part of who I am. For me, style is all about confidence and expressing who you truly are. That's exactly what this collection is about, its helping people feel fantastic in frames that celebrate their individuality.' He noted: 'Specsavers and I share the belief that everyone should have access to eyewear that makes them feel like the best version of themselves.' Bianca Swan, Specsavers' style editor, added: 'Elton John's impact on music, fashion, and self-expression is undeniable, and this collection captures that magic. Each frame tells a story, offering a balance of everyday versatility with individuality and style at the core of the collection. Whether you want a subtle nod to Elton's iconic look or a bold show-stopping piece, there's something for everyone in this collection.'
Fashion Network
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Specsavers to launch Elton John eyewear collection
Music superstar Elton John is about to launch a signature range of eyewear with Specsavers. But given his global status, love of statement eyewear, and no doubt a legion of higher-end brands/retailers eager to sign the legend to an eyewear deal, why choose this particular UK-based high street retailer? 'Accessibility', husband and business partner David Furnish told at the pre-launch event in London. Standing in for the music legend (he was relaxing in his home garden at the time of the launch, Furnish revealed), he said it was 'so important that Elton's fans are able to readily have access to, afford, and enjoy his eyewear, a feature of his life that is so special to him'. And with access and price being key, the range launches through Specsaver's 2,800-plus stores and businesses globally (approaching 1,000 in the UK), and online from 7 May, priced from £130. More fashion than theatrical, the collection is inspired by key moments in John's life and career, with each 'named after an iconic song, personal milestone, or a pivotal period in his journey - from Yellow Brick Road and Tiny Dancer to Shooting Star and Crocodile Rock'. Each pair features key signature details, such as the 'E' mark symbolising his personal stamp of approval, and the star, 'a nod to his illustrious career'. Sir Elton added in a prepared release: 'Glasses have always been a big part of who I am. For me, style is all about confidence and expressing who you truly are. That's exactly what this collection is about, its helping people feel fantastic in frames that celebrate their individuality.' He noted: 'Specsavers and I share the belief that everyone should have access to eyewear that makes them feel like the best version of themselves.' Bianca Swan, Specsavers' style editor, added: 'Elton John's impact on music, fashion, and self-expression is undeniable, and this collection captures that magic. Each frame tells a story, offering a balance of everyday versatility with individuality and style at the core of the collection. Whether you want a subtle nod to Elton's iconic look or a bold show-stopping piece, there's something for everyone in this collection.'
Fashion Network
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Specsavers to launch Elton John eyewear collection
Music superstar Elton John is about to launch a signature range of eyewear with Specsavers. But given his global status, love of statement eyewear, and no doubt a legion of higher-end brands/retailers eager to sign the legend to an eyewear deal, why choose this particular UK-based high street retailer? 'Accessibility', husband and business partner David Furnish told at the pre-launch event in London. Standing in for the music legend (he was relaxing in his home garden at the time of the launch, Furnish revealed), he said it was 'so important that Elton's fans are able to readily have access to, afford, and enjoy his eyewear, a feature of his life that is so special to him'. And with access and price being key, the range launches through Specsaver's 2,800-plus stores and businesses globally (approaching 1,000 in the UK), and online from 7 May, priced from £130. More fashion than theatrical, the collection is inspired by key moments in John's life and career, with each 'named after an iconic song, personal milestone, or a pivotal period in his journey - from Yellow Brick Road and Tiny Dancer to Shooting Star and Crocodile Rock'. Each pair features key signature details, such as the 'E' mark symbolising his personal stamp of approval, and the star, 'a nod to his illustrious career'. Sir Elton added in a prepared release: 'Glasses have always been a big part of who I am. For me, style is all about confidence and expressing who you truly are. That's exactly what this collection is about, its helping people feel fantastic in frames that celebrate their individuality.' He noted: 'Specsavers and I share the belief that everyone should have access to eyewear that makes them feel like the best version of themselves.' Bianca Swan, Specsavers' style editor, added: 'Elton John's impact on music, fashion, and self-expression is undeniable, and this collection captures that magic. Each frame tells a story, offering a balance of everyday versatility with individuality and style at the core of the collection. Whether you want a subtle nod to Elton's iconic look or a bold show-stopping piece, there's something for everyone in this collection.'
